Scotland’s new women’s basketball team named Caledonia Pride

SANDY SUTHERLAND

Scotland’s new women’s professional basketball team has a name at last.

Caledonia Pride will take their place alongside the nine other British teams in the Women’s Basketball League (WBBL) beginning on October 10.

The name was suggested by a member of the public, Richard Buckley, after BasketballScotland canvassed opinion for ideas and it was agreed after consultation with players and staff, including new national coach Bart Sengers.

“The name represents exactly what we are trying to achieve,” said Sengers. “It should be very meaningful for each of the players taking part in the programme and I expect every player to embrace the brand and play with pride.”

Buckley will receive a free ticket for all the Caledonia Pride home games, which will be played at the new Oriam National Performance Centre at Heriot-Watt University’s Riccarton Campus. The first home game will be against Sheffield Hatters on Sunday, October 23 at 1pm.

A BasketballScotland official said: “The purpose of establishing a WBBL team in Scotland is driven by our desire to continue developing opportunities for female players”

“Caledonia Pride will also play a key part in Scotland’s preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia and it is our vision to make this team a part of our long-term pathway to develop Scottish athletes.”

BasketballScotland expect to confirm their first player signings in the coming weeks.